Discussion

Fragole = mmm mmm good

I just wanted to give this Court Street, Carroll Gardens Italian stalwart some online love. I've lived in the area for almost 10 years and had never been to Fragole until last week--everything we ordered was so delicious that I went back and brought friends this week. It was a hit again! They make their pasta on site and it is cooked perfectly. Prices, daily specials and service are great, as is the atmosphere. If you haven't tried it yet, you really should!

I have always been a big fan of this place and have been here several times in my 5 years in Carroll Gardens, however, my opinion has changed dramatically. The place had been going downhill for a while and I remained loyal. During my last visit I was served the mushiest plate of linguine Ive ever seen in a restaurant. When I asked the waiter to replace it he told me 'thats how linguine was served there.' Do yourself a favor and avoid Fragole, try one of the neighboring italian spots or go a little more upscale to Bino or Lunetta.

Interesting, that hasn't been my experience there at all. The food and service couldn't have been better during my recent visits. I guess I'll keep going until something like that happens to me!What neighboring Italian spots do you prefer?

Lunetta, Bino, Frankie's, Al Di La are much preferred at slightly higher prices. I'm glad you all had positive experiences there, im not a hater. Tuesdays are certainly a bargain and are usually a good night for many restaurants. For me, i've had my fill at Fragole, and wont be returning any time soon. Also, im not sure their pastas are all "fresh." Perhaps some, but im quite sure most are not.

4 of us went last night and had a great meal at a very reasonable cost. It was Tues, so all the wines (other than their $28 list) were half price. We wound up getting two bottles of a Cab Franc for under $50 (@$24 I think) & we're all pretty sure that you couldnt get this wine retail for that amount. The food was much better than I remembered it, having not been there for over a year. The salads were great -- beets, arugula, avocado, very nice goat cheese w/hazelnut oil dressing for me & an excellent mozz., arugula, artichokes & tomato salad for my wife. Our friend's grilled (not breaded and fried) calamari was very solid and a winner. Eggplant parms and special pastas were ordered and all were tasty and freshly made. I love eggplant parm and the inclusion of basil leaves in between layers added to the dish for me but I would understand if others felt otherwise. The bread is homemade and almost like a harder semolina version of ciabatta. Very good. We all split one large dessert (tartufo). Before tip, this all was $40pp. I've had much worse for much more and, with these wines, think that this was a very good deal. I'm sorry I havent been going more regularly, something I plan to remedy.

Edit to add: I went on line. The retail price for the wine is $19.99. My receipt shows that we paid $23/bottle.

Steve, glad you had a great dinner, and here's a tip: you can buy gift certificates for Fragole on restaurant.com, which is seemingly always running an "80% off" sale. You can get a $25 Fragole credit for 2 bucks (normally 10 bucks)! You can't use it on Fri/Sat and have to spend like $45 total. So worth it.

This is good to know. When I used to live on President Street, Fragole was on my regular rotation. Restaurant density around here being what it is, Fragole has fallen off my radar now that I've moved a few blocks away. I'll try it again -- esp. as I am a sucker for eggplant parm